Biography of Edmund McCoyMarion County, IA Biographies

Edmund McCoy, who served for four years as treasurer of Marion county and is now living retired in Knoxville,
was born in Dallas township, this county, July 9, 1860, a son of Henry W. and Margaret E. (Willis) McCoy. His father
entered land in this county in the early days, having come here when a young man from Coshocton county, Ohio. He
improved his land and added to it until at the time of his death he owned four hundred and forty acres, which for
many years he personally operated, but some time before his death he gave each of his children eighty acres and
kept one hundred and twenty acres for himself. He was a self made man, as he left his home when fifteen years of
age and thereafter provided for his own support. His father, Edmund McCoy, was a farmer in Ohio, and Henry W. was
the only one of the family to locate in this county. The latter devoted his life to farming and stock raising and
was much interested in the latter occupation, it being generally conceded that he had the finest cattle in his
section of the county. He was a stanch republican in his political belief and manifested a keen interest in public
affairs. He died in April, 1901, when seventy eight years of age. His wife was born and reared in Coshocton county,
Ohio, but came to this county in her youth and here they were married. She survives and makes her home in Dallas
at the age of eighty years. To them were born four children. Edmund is the oldest. Mrs. Allie Millen for the past
ten years has resided in the vicinity of Sheridan, Lucas county, Iowa. R. G., who is now a resident of this county,
although for twelve years he lived in Kansas and farmed in that state and in Iowa, is now living in Melcher and
is cashier of the bank there. Mrs. Mary V. Damon is also a resident of Melcher.

Edmund McCoy has always lived in this county. He was educated in the district schools near his home and as a boy
learned farming. For many years he continued to follow that occupation and gave special attention to the raising
of cattle and hogs. He also bought stock which he fattened and then marketed. For a long time he resided upon a
farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres on sections 7 and 8, Washington township, but eight years ago he
sold that land and purchased his present farm, which comprises four hundred and twenty acres and is situated in
Knoxville township. At that time he removed to the city of Knoxville, where he still resides, as he was elected
county treasurer and found it necessary to live in the county seat. He served in that office for four years, or
two terms, and proved a systematic and reliable official. Although he has largely retired from active life, he
still supervises the operation of his farm and the raising of live stock.

On the 27th of January, 1884, Mr. McCoy was married in Washington township to Miss Nancy J. Hunt, who was born
in this county in June, 1863, a daughter of Jefferson and Annie Maria (White) Hunt. After farming for many years
they retired to Knoxville, where they died, the former when seventy eight years of age and the latter when seventy
two. Both died in 1911, the father in November of that year and her mother in June. Mrs. McCoy was reared and educated
in this county and by her marriage has become the mother of two children. Herbert D., a farmer and stockman, owns
and operates two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Knoxville township. He married Miss Carrie M. Dear, whose
father lives at Dallas. Marjorie G., born on St. Valentine's day, 1894, is now attending college at Ames, Iowa.

The family were members of the Methodist Protestant church, but as there is no church of that denomination in Knoxville
they affiliate with the Congregational church here. Mr. McCoy is a republican in his political belief and has held
a number of offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and has filled all chairs in the blue lodge, and
also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the modern Woodmen of
America. His daughter belongs to the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs and his wife to the latter organization. He
has not only won financial prosperity but has also made many friends who hold him in warm regard, and all respect
and esteem him.